Sunday, June 7th marked the final day of Heavy Weekend 2026, bringing together thousands of metal fans one last time at Nancy Open Air. After two days packed with legendary performances and unforgettable moments, the festival’s closing day delivered a diverse lineup that ranged from theatrical industrial metal to horror-inspired metalcore, radio-rock anthems, and one of the most explosive live acts in modern metal. It was a fitting conclusion to a weekend dedicated to celebrating the many faces of heavy music.
French industrial metal outfit Shaârghot had the difficult task of opening the day, but they quickly proved they were more than capable of setting the tone. Accompanied by actors on stage, the band transformed their performance into a full-scale dystopian spectacle. Their elaborate costumes, striking makeup, and immersive scenography immediately captured the audience’s attention. More than just a concert, their set felt like stepping into a post-apocalyptic universe. As an opener, they perfectly succeeded in energizing the crowd and preparing them for the intense day ahead.
Next came Ice Nine Kills, bringing their unique blend of metalcore and horror cinema to Nancy. The American band delivered exactly what fans expected: a theatrical and entertaining performance packed with references to iconic horror movies. Throughout the set, actors joined the band on stage to recreate scenes inspired by classic slasher films, adding an extra layer of immersion to the show. One of the biggest highlights came when iconic vocalist Alissa White-Gluz appeared to perform ‘Twisting The Knife’, the band’s recent track featured in the Scream franchise. Fans also erupted during ‘A Work of Art’ one of the band’s most celebrated songs. Combining crushing breakdowns with cinematic storytelling, Ice Nine Kills once again demonstrated why they have become one of the most distinctive acts in modern metal.
Three Days Grace followed with what was arguably the biggest singalong of the entire weekend. From the very first song, it felt less like a concert and more like a giant karaoke session involving thousands of people. Every lyric seemed to be known by heart by the audience. The Canadian band delivered a perfectly balanced setlist featuring beloved classics such as ‘Animal I Have Become’ and ‘Riot’ while also showcasing newer material, including ‘Mayday’. The crowd responded enthusiastically throughout the performance, jumping, singing, and screaming every word in unison. It was a powerful reminder of the band’s lasting impact on multiple generations of rock and metal fans.
Closing both the day and the entire festival were Germany’s Electric Callboy. Rather than simply performing a concert, they delivered a massive metal rave that transformed Nancy Open Air into one giant party. Their production was impressive despite a relatively simple stage setup. Blue flames, fireworks, colorful visuals, dynamic lighting effects, and multiple costume changes ensured there was always something happening on stage.
What truly set Electric Callboy apart, however, was their ability to control and engage the crowd. Every chant, every jump, and every movement requested by the band was answered instantly by thousands of fans acting in perfect synchronization. The energy was relentless from start to finish. The band balanced humor, electronic dance elements, and crushing metalcore breakdowns effortlessly, creating a show that felt both chaotic and meticulously crafted. By the time the final songs arrived, the atmosphere had reached a fever pitch, resulting in one of the most explosive endings Heavy Weekend has ever seen.
With performances spanning industrial metal, horror-core, alternative metal, and electronic-infused metalcore, Heavy Weekend once again showcased the incredible diversity of the genre. The festival succeeded in offering something for nearly every type of metal fan. However, despite the strength of the lineup, one issue remains noticeable. Much like last year, female representation on the bill was extremely limited, with only one female-fronted act appearing across the entire weekend. As the festival continues to grow, many fans will undoubtedly hope to see greater inclusivity and a broader representation of artists in future editions. Nevertheless, Heavy Weekend 2026 concluded on a high note, leaving attendees with plenty of unforgettable memories and already looking forward to next year’s edition. All photos of the weekend can be found here!
